Purpose of review: To elaborate on the recent concept of Descemet membrane endothelial transfer (DMET) and to explore the concepts that underpin its success through reviewing the key articles that have challenged our current understanding of corneal endothelial cell behavior.
Recent findings: DMET challenges the paradigm that complete graft-host apposition is required for successful corneal clearance in endothelial keratoplasty. It offers the promise of a simpler procedure to restore corneal clarity. Its success may lie in the ability of endothelial cells to migrate and proliferate. Endothelial host cells have been found in isolation and at disparate locations among donor cells within the corneal buttons of patients who have had a penetrating keratoplasty. New evidence for the continued slow proliferation of endothelial cells from the corneal periphery throughout life comes from the microanatomy of the peripheral cornea, and the demonstration of stem cell markers and markers of DNA synthesis in this area.
Summary: DMET offers us a tantalizing taste of a simpler way of treating corneal endothelial disease by harnessing the ability of corneal endothelial cells to migrate and proliferate. An understanding of these processes will be the key stepping stone to developing future treatments for corneal endothelial disease.